The Co-op in Fore St is closing for a major refurbishment from February 4th to 16th. When it re-opens the new-look store will have a number of self-service checkouts as well as a new aisle lay out.

Away from the public areas the shop will have major changes to its storage areas, staff room and air conditioning units, freeing up first floor space for other uses.

Last month the shop was partially flooded after vandals broke into the flats above and left taps and showers running.

The move is part of a major investment by the Co op at a time when the big four supermarkets are scaling back their expansion plans. Stuart Hookins, who heads up Co-op’s development plans, said: “While other retailers are scaling back their expansion plans, the Co-op continues to open new convenience stores. We opened 100 stores in 2016, and we plan to open hundreds more new stores over the next few years.”